Gooding & Company, the world’s leading auction house for collectors of rare and exceptional cars, is delighted to announce that it will be presenting an outstanding array of Italian collector cars at its second-annual Amelia Island Auction on March 11, now commencing at 3 p.m. Hand-selected by Gooding & Company’s specialists as superb examples of their respective marques, highlights include the 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Prototype, a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet, a 1953 Siata 208 CS Berlinetta, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

“Historically-significant, truly original or exceptionally-restored collector cars are in extremely high demand right now,” said David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. “We selected the Lamborghini SV Miura Prototype, Ferrari 212 and Siata 208 for our Amelia Island Auction, because these special cars represent what discerning collectors are looking for in today’s market.”

1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Prototype

No car represents the pinnacle of its marque like a prototype and this P400 SV, Chassis No. 4758, is one of Lamborghini’s most significant creations. The SV prototype was hand-built as part of a factory project to develop the last and ultimate variation of the Miura. Originally finished in the same colors it bears today – Fly Yellow over black interior – this car is believed to have been shown at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show and spent many years in Europe before being imported to the U.S. After an exacting restoration at the hands of Wayne Obry and Jeff Stephan, it debuted to the sophisticates at Pebble Beach as the second-ever Miura SV to participate in the Concours, hand-selected by invitation, and later won an award in the featured Lamborghini class. Considered by experts as one of the most significant and well-restored Miuras in existence, this exciting sports car is a special Amelia Island Auction highlight. Its estimate is available on request.

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet by Vignale

In 1951, Ferraris sold to an elite class comprised mostly of wealthy sportsmen, captains of industry and dignitaries. With only two owners since 1960 – one of whom was David Clarke, a well-known British Ferrari enthusiast, and the second, a world class collector – this is an exceptional example of an early Ferrari. One of only a limited number constructed, this 212 Export Cabriolet (Chassis No. 0106 E) is a matching-numbers, fully-documented example with a known provenance. It is stunning from every angle in its sophisticated Vignale coachwork, finished in a black over dark green leather and outfitted with a dazzling “cruciform” grille. In the words of Gooding & Company Specialist David Brynan, “this exquisite 212 Export is a Ferrari fit for the connoisseur.” This car’s estimate is $800,000 – $1.1 Million.

1953 Siata 208 CS Coupe

One of only nine examples built, this Balbo-bodied Siata sports car (Chassis No. CS*073) was originally designed to be homologated for road racing. Featuring a Fiat Otto Vu (8V) engine, lightweight chassis, and exotic mid-century styling, the 208 CS is one of the most enigmatic Italian sports cars of the era. Eligible for the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand and Tour Auto, this car is ready to be driven after being in the care of its current owner for the past 25 years. This car’s estimate is $650,000 – $850,000.

Continuing in its tradition of bringing the best examples to auction, other collector Ferraris from Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auction are listed in brief below:

A matching-numbers example displayed at the 2005 Quail Motorsports Gathering, this car is offered with books, tools and Campagnolo alloy wheels

Estimate: $1.2 – $1.4 Million

1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso (Chassis No. 5529 GT)

Designed by Pininfarina, Coachwork by Scaglietti

The 271st of 350 Lussos built, this Ferrari is a matching-numbers car complete with Ferrari factory tool roll

Estimate: $600,000 – $750,000

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (Chassis No. 15729)

Designed by Pininfarina, Coachwork by Scaglietti

A FCA Platinum Award Winner with approximately 10,000 miles from new, complete with optional Borrani wire wheels

Estimate: $320,000 – $360,000

The Amelia Island Auction will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011, commencing at 3 p.m. Guests may preview the cars on Thursday, March 10, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday, March 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Racquet Park located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation at 6800 First Coast Highway in Amelia Island, one mile south of the Amelia Island Parkway. Complimentary shuttles running from the Racquet Park auction site to other areas of interest will be available for guests’ convenience. Auction catalogues cost $75 and admit two to the viewing and auction. General admission tickets to the viewing and auction may be purchased for $30 per person. Bidder registration forms, 2011 press credentials and additional auction information are available on www.goodingco.com. For additional vehicle information and up-to-the-minute results, follow Gooding & Company on Facebook and Twitter @GoodingCompany.

On a Related Note…Signifying his leadership in the high-end collector car market and his specific expertise with the Ferrari marque, David Gooding has been invited to participate in a Ferrari Collector & Investor live webcast hosted by international luxury lifestyle authority Robb Report magazine on February 17 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Hosted by Robb Report’s automotive consultant Robert Ross, David Gooding will join enthusiast and collector Bruce Meyer, and world-renowned restorer and concours judge Gary Bobileff of Bobileff Motorcar Company in the discussion.